The 10 principles of NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming)

The Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a series of strategies that focus on identifying and using thought patterns that influence a person's behavior as a way to improve quality and solve problems.

The objectives of NLP are, among others, to correct cognitive representations, making them more useful, and to provide a series of strategies and skills effective for the best adaptation of those situations that arise on a day-to-day basis.

• To find out more about what NLP is and the criticism it has received, you can read our interesting article: "Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP): what is it and how does it work?”

It is important to mention that this practice is not based on any theory, but is a compilation of studies, research and techniques. Therefore, it is necessary to check how it works, through its fundamental pillars, that is, the principles of NLP.

• Recommended article: "20 highly recommended books on NLP"

The principles of NLP

After exposing the objectives of Neurolinguistic Programming, below we present the 10 principles of NLP:

1. The inside map is unique

One of the principles of NLP refers to the orientation that people have in the world around them. The way a person orients himself has to do with his inner map. In the early stages of life the inner map is simple. However, as we grow, the map becomes more complex and new paths open up.

The more complete the map, the more successful alternatives the person will have. The world map is individual, it is built through our own experiences so each person has their map and no two maps are the same.

2. The best map is the one that offers more than one path

As mentioned in the previous point, the more complete map is also more accurate and it will offer more opportunities to reach a goal or solve the problem. This has to do with flexibility and the ability to react in various ways to a life event. The map is not the territory it represents, but if it is correct it will have a structure similar to the territory and will be more useful.

3. Every behavior has a positive intention

This may be one of the most discussed NLP principles. This point refers to the fact that each person and each behavior has an intrinsic positive intention. It may be, for example, that someone doubts that a smoker has a positive intention to smoke. But according to this principle, the smoker could smoke to relax or to be socially accepted. NLP tries to redirect that positive intention towards a more adaptive behavior pattern and suitable for the person.

4. The structure of the experience

This principle shows how each experience is composed of a certain structure. Every thought, feeling, memory or experience It is made up of a series of elements. This means that if each experience has a structure, thanks to a change in its composition, its effect can be changed.

5. All problems have solutions

This principle refers to the fact that all problems have a solution. Although it may seem utopian, since, sometimes, certain solutions cannot be carried out. At other times, there will be problems that do not have a clear solution. This has to do with the map that the person owns, since the fewer paths or alternatives you have, the fewer solutions you can give to the concrete situation. Furthermore, the interpretation of the problem has to do with the content of the map. A richer map that offers more resources will perceive certain situations as less problematic.

6. Everybody has the strength that he needs

This is one of the principles of NLP that has to do with the personal development of the person, since it refers to each person has the necessary strength to achieve what is proposed. The problem arises when the self-confidence it is affected by the limiting beliefs of the person.

7. The body and mind are part of the same system

This principle refers to the human being is body and mind. In other words, every feeling and every emotion affects the body. This is also true in reverse. For example, a disease that affects the body will have repercussions on a psychological level. Therefore, for NLP, thought changes that modify bodily problems are important. By the way, Have you heard of embodied cognition?

8. The meaning of the communication depends on the result

It is necessary to establish clear communication guidelines, that do not give rise to misunderstandings, or the option of biased personal interpretations by the recipient of the message.

9. There are no failures but opportunities

When a person is continuously in motion, he has different paths to reach the goal. Failures should be seen as opportunities, that is, as measures that allow to overcome and move in the desired direction.

10. If something doesn't work, you have to try something else

Sometimes people insist on doing something that doesn't work, and they don't change the way they act. At this point the famous phrase "don't expect different results if you always do the same thing" makes sense. NLP practitioners aim to help recognize and modify those behaviors that they are not effective and that they trip over the same stone over and over again.